Teens: Some oversight needed, but not in secret

From putting bars on their bedroom windows to checking their text messages, protective parents are monitoring their children more than ever before.

"I think parents should respect their kids' privacy," said West Broward High freshman Josh Wolf.

Wolf, who is not monitored, called for parents to be open. "If you're going to monitor your child, don't do it in secret."

Raul Reyes, a freshman at Pembroke Pines Charter, does have eyes on him. "My mom monitors me, but I still have my freedom," he said.

He said over-protective parents "need to calm down about things. Their children will have horrible adult lives if they keep being shielded from the world by their parents. But at the same time, they need to protect them."

He had some advice for them: "Let your kids be exposed to the world. Let them learn things the hard way."

Ana Andrade, a freshman at Somerset Academy, said she isn't monitored either. "They don't check my stuff, but I talk to them so I guess there is no need to."

She does see a need for oversight of teens. "I think with the amount of teens with eating disorders and depression in some cases it is necessary."

Western High freshman Josh Zimerberg is monitored by his mother.

"My mom checks up on me to see where I am. She doesn't like me walking around my neighborhood alone. On occasion she'll check my phone. She checks my email every once in a while, but she checks my Tumblr a lot."

He said it isn't that big of a deal. "I think parents have a right to check up on their kids."